Tuesday, Jan 24

 At 1:15 AM, I attended the Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) Oral Health Steering Committee meeting. I reported on my activities here in Nepal and the pending HVO volunteers who will join me here later this Spring. Then I went back to sleep!

Although I had already eaten a PB&J sandwich for breakfast, I joined my work colleagues for a visit to the cash canteen. I had milk tea while they had these interesting egg/omelettes loaded with lentils and spice. I tasted it but didn't find it appealing.

Manisha confided that she is interested in visiting the US as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar, so I quickly sent some inquiries to a few US colleagues seeking an academic sponsor. Hopefully someone will invite her to for a Fulbright-sponsored visit.

I saw this mis-directed access cavity in the clinic and offered to guide the dentist to the canal at the next scheduled visit. Seeing this difficult endodontic access made me decide to help find a dental operating microscope for this department. I sent out a few messages hoping someone can direct me to a used scope that can be donated to Dhulikhel. If anyone finds one, let me know and I will arrange the transport. They don't need a fancy state-of-the-art scope. They just need basic magnifying optics with a light source.

At the outdoor canteen, I had a plain egg omelette and some rice for lunch --and milk tea. No one here can believe I want to eat plain eggs -- with no onions or spices. I only ate a few bites of the rice-- it was too spicy. Despite the sun's warmth, a wind made our meal less than perfect.

I am fascinated with watching Nepalis eat with their bare hands. I could only do that with latex gloves!

This is how I pay for my lunch at the outdoor canteen. They have a computerized automatic payment system that reads a RFID chip in my hospital ID badge. Here I paid 110 NR (about $1.10 US) for lunch. My badge has 520 rupees remaining on it. 

This afternoon, I reviewed a 26 page research proposal. Along with Dr. Kafle and another orthodontic faculty member, we are planning a small study testing the dental unit waterlines of 7 dental schools here in Nepal.

Another great sunset from my room's balcony.